On the 13th, Kim Yo-jong, vice department director of the (North) Korean Workers Party Central Committee, issued a statement denouncing our government's expectations for improving relations as "pipe dreams."
In a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency that day, Kim Yo-jong criticized the Ministry of Unification's assessment that the North's prior statement "left room for communication and easing tensions," saying, "It is beyond pathetic," and, "The forecast is already off the mark from the start."
Kim Yo-jong said, "If we speak of the many hope-filled pipe dreams Seoul is mulling about improving DPRK–ROK relations, they are nothing but unrealizable delusions," and, "No matter how much the ruler goes around overseas soliciting favors, and no matter how much the authorities put on a good-faith act and dream pipe dreams, the reality of DPRK–ROK relations can never change."
She then claimed that the South recently carried out a grave provocation infringing on the North's sovereignty. She said, "The Seoul authorities must acknowledge and apologize for the provocation infringing on the Republic's sovereignty and devise measures to prevent a recurrence," adding, "Do not forget that when provocations against inviolable sovereignty are repeated, a price beyond bearing will be paid. This is not a mere rhetorical threat or an extension of a war of words."
Regarding a future response, Kim Yo-jong said, "Our resolve to defend sovereignty will not be limited to a proportional response or issuing positions."